Hyun Joong stepped out of his Hawaii hotel suite looking every inch like the Hallyu star that he is. He has been perfectly styled by his favorite Noona, who always comes to his rescue when he needs to look like a fashionable superstar.   His manager led the way to the Hotel Function Room where the first story conference with Steven Spielberg and other crew members will take place.  He was nervous, and he should be. After all, this is his biggest Hollywood break. He’s done cameos and supporting roles in other Hollywood flicks in the past but this one’s different, this one’s going to be huge.

This whole project has been shrouded in secrecy. No one but the persons involved knows about it. When Steven’s group first approached Hyun Joong’s manager about the film they initially thought it was a hoax, until they met with Steven in the US. The audition took place in Los Angeles three months ago and they’ve never heard from them until the day his manager got that call from Steven’s agent.  There was no publicity about the project. They plan to release information to the media only after they’re done with principal photography.  Hyun Joong doesn’t know the other actors who will be involved in the project.  All the actors and actresses who were asked to audition were made to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement. 

The movie is set way into the future, a sci-fi romance between two Koreans at a time when Koreans ruled the world because of their advanced technologies and groundbreaking scientific discoveries.  Hyun Joong’s leading lady will be played by another Korean actress, and he will find out her identity today, at this story conference. His only wish is that she’s not some ex-lover he’s had a bad falling out with in the past.

As he entered the room he was greeted by the American crew members. His group was led to one end of a long conference table and they were informed that Steven and the others were already on their way and will be there in 5 minutes.  As they waited they made small talk with the Americans and chatted with the other Korean actors who will be playing the parents of the lead characters. Their chatter was halted by the arrival of Steven. Everyone in the room stood up to greet him as he made his way to the head of the table.

“I would like to thank everyone for making it here on such short notice. As you all know, because of some unavoidable circumstances, we need to start production right away…” Steven suddenly stopped as the huge wooden doors slowly opened to reveal the arrival of the lead actress.

“Good afternoon, I hope I’m not too late,” she said. Then she walked up to Steven to give him a very Western peck on the cheek. “I’m so sorry, Steven, my flight got delayed,” she added sweetly. She spoke in perfect English with no noticeable accent. 

Hyun Joong wasn’t able to see the face of the lead actress right away because he had his back to the door. But he didn’t have to see her face to know who she was. He was quite familiar with that voice. He was very familiar with that voice! It can’t be anyone else but Jung So Min! When he realized this he quickly turned to where the voice was coming from. And there she was. Wearing a –wait, is that a skirt?—he fought the urge to take off his coat and use it to cover So Min’s legs.  She was wearing an ultra short black skirt that swayed when she walked. Its length, in Hyun Joong’s estimate, is about three and a half inches as it hung from her hips.  She was wearing a white silk top and a luscious, waist length, white fur coat. Her fingers dripped with diamonds. And she was wearing what Hyun Joong likes to call heels, which, to any woman who sees it, is actually a pair of really beautiful shoes.

She wore her hair straight down her shoulders and she wore very minimal make-up. Everyone in the room couldn’t help but be awed by her beauty and flawless elegance.

“That’s okay, So Min, we’re just getting started,” Steven continued. He then proceeded to introduce So Min to everyone in the room and to guide her to her seat—directly in front of Hyun Joong. “And, So Min, I’d like you to meet Kim Hyun Joong, I don’t know if you’ve met before, he will be your leading man,” Steven announced.

Hyun Joong and So Min looked at each other from across the table and nodded to each other in acknowledgement. Neither said a word. The story conference went on without a glitch. After Steven’s introduction, the Assistant Director proceeded to brief everyone about their roles, scripts were handed out and one of the producers discussed and distributed the shooting schedule.

Hyun Joong kept glancing at So Min secretly. ‘Man, she’s beautiful.’ But he felt slighted, for not once did he catch her looking at him. Not even one quick glance. It made him feel very insecure, which seldom happens these days.

So Min, on the other hand, had her gaze fixed on whoever was presenting. She fought the urge to glance at Hyun Joong and made sure she looked nonchalant—Thank God she’s an actress, and a very good one, too! But she couldn’t help but remember how handsome he looked when they were introduced. ‘That bastard!’ She just curled her toes and continued to act indifferent towards Hyun Joong. 

After three hours, the meeting was finally over.  They were done for the day. Tomorrow morning they’ll have their first reading.  But tonight everyone’s free to do anything.

As they piled out of the conference room Hyun Joong and So Min had the same thought in mind: ‘This is going to be a very long evening.’